Thanks for this thread, Chadd.
I had bouts of depression at other times (about 16, 17 years old) but I didn't really identify it as depression. This more major depression has lasted about three years. But it's the first time I addressed it and went to therapy... so I have been in therapy now for three years. I struggle with not taking meds due to my fear of them after a bad experience(I am frustrated with myself over it). But I have found some help from taking large doses of Kira St. John's Wort, which does knock out some of the depression for me. (Though I know it's not for everyone - really meant more to treat mild depression than the moderate form I have). Blah. Anyway, I can relate to your feeling like "it's taking too long."

One thing here that has kept me trying to stay hopeful is that it is a myth that we know what's going on with other people. The person who looks (to us) like they have it all together, probably doesn't. Everybody struggles. Depression has a way of telling us that we are the only ones who feel this way. But it is an illusion...
Just keep taking baby steps to do everything and anything you can do to take care of yourself. There is no time frame. Just as there wouldn't be with any other illness, every day would just be a new day to work on healing.

Sending supportive thoughts your way...

E